The division said yard debris burning is the top cause of wildfires. Last year, the division responded to 4,361 fires that burned more than 52,000 acres of land, destroyed seven homes and damaged 45 others.

So far this year there have been 2,159 wildfires that burned more than 9,233 acres.

The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources said the potential for wildfires is higher over the next few days.

Wednesday the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for much of central North Carolina.

People are also warned to handle cigarettes and other possible fire sources carefully.

The spring wildfire season usually lasts from mid-February through mid-May, when vegetation has returned.